Lake County Gazette

Geoff Crego, who made headlines earlier this year for his outspoken support of decriminalizing prostitution, lost his bid for a seat on the Community High School District 117 Board of Education in the April 1 election. Crego, a resident of Antioch, received 1,179 votes, placing him at the bottom of the field.

The election for the Community High School District 117 Board of Education, which serves roughly 2,600 students across Antioch Community High School and Lakes Community High School, saw Wayne A. Sobczak leading with 2,495 votes followed by Bruce Pagni with 1,897 votes, Ellen Ipsen who earned 2,274 votes and Jill Pritchard who garnered 2,128 votes. All four secured seats on the school board.

Tracy Behnke received 1,772 votes, Julianne T. Hettich garnered 1,573 votes, John Russo earned 1,340 votes, all fell short of victory along with Crego.

Early in the campaign, Crego voiced support for an Illinois bill to decriminalize sex work. 

“I support the bill to decriminalize sex work,” Crego, an Antioch resident, told the Lake County Gazette. “I believe sex workers deserve safety and dignity. The proposal doesn't decriminalize trafficking, which should serve to discourage large operations where the workers are under threat. It's the oldest business on the planet, I think it's responsible to acknowledge that by making it safer.”

HB3518, the "Keeping Sex Workers Safe Act" introduces the Sex Workers' Bill of Rights, which decriminalizes consensual sex work in Illinois. It ensures that sex workers receive the same rights and protections as other workers, including minimum wage, protection against discrimination and harassment, and access to workers' compensation and healthcare. 

The bill mandates safe working conditions and prohibits discrimination against sex workers in housing, public services and healthcare. 

It also repeals prostitution-related offenses and ensures sex workers can negotiate contracts and operate as independent businesses under Illinois law.

The bill, sponsored by State Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) and Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago), aims to remove criminal penalties for consensual sex work and expunge arrest records for sex workers, allowing them to report crimes without fear of prosecution. 

The proposal has been backed by groups like Equality Illinois and the Sex Worker Advisory Group, which advocates for the rights of current and former sex workers.

Opponents, such as State Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park), argue that decriminalization sends the wrong message about accountability for illegal activities, particularly related to drugs and exploitation. 

“It’s the drugs, the lifestyle and the pimps. It has nothing to do with the law on the books," Cabello told Center Square. "If that's the case, then why aren't there other people getting beat up for all of the other laws that are on the books? It means as though certain people in this state want to make it where we don’t have any penalty for anything you do wrong.”